News Release

Riverside Wild About Strong Exit December 20, 2012

Firm Exits Wildlife International Following Two Years of Growth

The Riverside Company has sold Wildlife International (Wildlife) of Easton, Maryland. Wildlife is a contract provider of environmental testing and support services, serving clients in the agricultural, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Wildlife helps ensure that environmental standards and regulations are met in addition to testing the safety and efficacy of a wide variety of products.

Founded in 1976, Wildlife has grown dramatically since its 2010 acquisition by Riverside, increasing sales by 56% and earnings by 111% while adding 36% more employees.

“Wildlife is an excellent example of a Riverside deal,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “We’ve supported them through several valuable growth initiatives. The partnership has been great for us, Wildlife, and its customers and employees.”

During the hold period, Riverside helped the firm capitalize on increasing environmental regulatory demands both within the U.S. and internationally. Wildlife also improved its productivity, strengthened its sales and marketing, and enhanced its leadership development training, all of which drove the double-digit sales growth and triple-digit earnings growth.

“Wildlife is an exceptional company, and it’s been a pleasure to work with its management team,” said Riverside Principal Joe Lee. “They are an innovative group that continues to meet the complex demands of its international customer base.”

Working with Schlachet and Lee for Riverside on the sale were Associate Grady McConnell, Operating Partner Dave Tiley and Centralized CFO Dan Stankey. Riverside Origination Principal Amy Margolis worked with the deal team to facilitate the sale of the business.

The transaction is Riverside’s 13th exit of 2012.

Lincoln International acted as exclusive financial advisor to Riverside on the transaction, while Deloitte provided accounting and tax support and Jones Day provided legal counsel.

The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing businesses valued at up to $200 million (€200 million in Europe). Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 300 transactions. The firm’s international portfolio includes more than 70 companies.